Library

WOODWORKER’S GUIDE TO BENDING WOOD, by Jonathan Benson, offers instruction for using heat, steam and water to bend wood, veneers and laminations. Using seven step-by-step projects with sequenced photos, readers learn how to make curved Shaker boxes, a bow for an arrow, a rustic chair, the sides of a guitar, and bent panels used for tables and pedestals. All of the necessary tools and equipment are discussed with consideration to budget and practicality. Benson is a professional furniture maker whose work has been exhibited in 40 galleries nationwide. The 192-page book sells for $24.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

VACUUM KILN DRYING FOR WOODWORKERS, by Joshua Salesin, is a practical do-it-yourself alternative for drying wood. Accompanied by dozens of color photographs, the guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to build a vacuum kiln chamber for drying wood. Whether you make furniture, carvings, inlays, turnings or other wood art and craft, the book will help you make projects faster and better. Salesin has produced a variety of turned, carved and decorative wood vessels for many years. His interest in vacuum kiln drying originated from a desire to create hand-cut threaded boxes, which require tolerances that leave little room form wood movement. The 62-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Salesin Enterprises, P.O. Box 701, Santa Cruz, CA 95061. Email:
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. www.vacuumkilndrying.com

TRADITIONAL AMERICAN ROOMS, by Brent Hull and Christine G.H. Franck, treats readers through a guided tour of the former residence of Henry Francis du Pont, the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. Featuring 20 classic rooms preserved at the Winterthur Museum from the Georgian and Federal periods, the book showcases each room’s amazing architectural millwork, as well as the fascinating history on who designed, constructed and once occupied them. Hull is a nationally recognized expert in residential design, and historically accurate architecture. Franck is a designer and educator specializing in classical architecture. The 200-page softcover sells for $35. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

USING A HAND PLANE, with Ian Kirby, is a DVD that covers tuning, setting the blade, and various planning techniques. It provides an introduction to using a hand plane, describes the parts of a plane, and how to get optimum performance. Mostly, it focuses on the steps required to make stock flat and square. Kirby, who has more than 50 years of hands-on experience in the workshop, also demonstrates several techniques, such as using the plane against a bench stop, cross grain planning, and edge and end planning. He also demonstrates how to make a kitchen cutting board. It’s obviously intended for the beginning woodworker, but for those who have relied on machines, this instruction might inspire you to try a more traditional approach. The 68-minute DVD sells for $21.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

SECRETS OF 5-AXIS MACHINING, by Karlo Apro, explains 5-axis CNC machining in simple terms, which woodworkers and other manufacturing industry professionals will appreciate and quickly understand. Whether you are new to multi-axis work and feel overwhelmed, or are already using multi-axis tool paths and need more knowledge, this book presents information gathered during the author’s 30 years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing industry. Chapters cover common misconceptions regarding CNC machining, cutting strategies, indexing work, choosing the right CAD/CAM system for your application and more. Each chapter features full-color illustrations to help explain the theories and principles. The 176-page softcover includes a tutorial CD and sells for $54.95. Contact: Industrial Press Inc., 989 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018. Tel: 888-528-7852. www.industrialpress.com

CREATING A FINE ART ENTRY TABLE, by Robert Ortiz, presents all the steps necessary to create a stunning entry table that blends the clean lines and aesthetics of Shaker and Japanese furniture to make a distinctive eye-catching form. With more than 220 color photos and concise text, the book covers the entire designing and building process. Chapters cover all specific applications in details, such as cutting the through tenons, making the lower arched stretchers to the legs, curving the inside of the legs and more. Of interest are the unique breakout boxes where Ortiz shares tips he’s learned in his 20 years of designing and making furniture. The 144-page softcover sells for $24.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

DOC FIZZIX MOUSETRAP RACERS, by Alden J. Balmer, has almost nothing to do with woodworking, but just might produce a future woodworker. The book teaches children how to build race cars from ordinary contraptions, such as a mousetrap. It not only gives them the basic construction secrets to design and build a vehicle, but also unearths the science behind how they work, in a language easy enough for a seventh-grader to understand. Using clear instructions, color photography, diagrams and numerous illustrations, Doc Fizzix, and his Jetson-like team of robots, walk children through four complete projects for building different vehicles. Hey, it’s not always about making sawdust. The 144-page softcover sells for $14.95. Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

THE WOODWRIGHT’S GUIDE: WORKING WOOD WITH WEDGE AND EDGE, by Roy Underhill, covers the techniques of traditional woodcraft with muscle-powered tools. The author recounts the process of woodcraft, a journey that begins in the forest, passes through each woodworking trade, and ends with a handmade artifact that will be treasured for generations. Each chapter explores one of the nine trades of woodcraft: faller, countryman and cleaver, hewer, log builder, sawyer, carpenter, joiner, turner and cabinetmaker. Each trade brings new tools and techniques to the process, and sets the stage for the skills introduced in the following chapters. Thus, once the technique of drawboring a mortise and tenon joint is introduced in the chapter on carpentry, it reappears as a known quantity in the chapter on joinery and cabinetmaking. Hundreds of drawings illustrate the hand tools and techniques for shaping and joining wood. As a bonus, Underhill has included an appendix with detailed plans for making a foot-powered lathe, workbench, shaving horse and more. The 192-page softcover sells for $22.50. Contact: The University of North Carolina Press, 116 S. Boundary St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 919-962-0581. www.uncpress.unc.edu

THE ART OF TURNED BOWLS, by Richard Raffan, is an updated version of the book first published in 1987, retooled with color photographs of contemporary bowls by award-winning turners from around the world. With a unique talent for making even the most abstract ideas accessible, Raffan offers a wealth of design advice. Practical, informative and inspiring, this new edition also expands its exploration of form and developing profiles. Along with a good lathe and a reliable set of tools, the book belongs in the shop of any serious turner. The 270-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Taunton Press, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

SHARPENING PLANES & CHISELS, with Ian Kirby, is a comprehensive guide to sharpening and tuning a variety of planes and chisels. This helpful how-to DVD employs a structured, step-by-step method to show woodworkers of every skill level how to adjust hand planes and chisels for maximum precision. Furniture makers, cabinet makers, joiners, carpenters, coopers and hobbyists alike will quickly learn to appreciate the amazing benefits of working with sharp and finely tuned instruments, in terms of both their feel and the overall quality of their projects. Kirby is a British trained furniture maker who lives in Milford, Conn. The 65-min DVD sells for $21.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

BEST OF WOODWORKER’S JOURNAL: HEIRLOOM FURNITURE PROJECTS, is a collection of furniture pieces for the home that will be treasured among generations for their durability, craftsmanship and classic style. As part of a new 10-book series from the pages of Woodworker’s Journal, the magazine’s editors have selected 21 attractive furniture projects, including a Colonial cupboard, secretary desk, gardener’s bench, veneered checkerboard, and old-time icebox. Each project includes drawings, cut lists and step-by-step instructions. The 160-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

ADVANCED AUTOCAD 2009: EXERCISE WORKBOOK, by Cheryl R. Shrock, is designed for students who want to use AutoCAD productively, especially 3-D, but do not have the time or need to learn every command. Totally updated for AutoCAD 2009 and 2009 LT, the book discusses how to customize one’s work space, create new Ribbon tabs and panels, customize the Quick Access Toolbar, customize the Status Bar, and create master setup drawings for decimals or architecture and more. All exercises print easily on a standard printer. Shrock is an Autodesk registered author, and has written more than 20 books on AutoCAD, including the AutoCAD Pocket Reference. The 440-page softcover sells for $36.95. Contact: Industrial Press Inc., 989 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018. Tel: 212-545-8327. www.industrialpress.com

BEST OF WOODWORKER’S JOURNAL: DESKS, BOOKCASES & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS is a collection of furniture pieces that provide comfort and organization the minute they leave the shop. As part of a new 10-book series from the pages of Woodworker’s Journal, editors have selected 15 functional projects for the home. Projects include a Queen Anne writing desk, a cherry Arts and Crafts stereo cabinet, a modular computer desk, a walnut library bookcase, an elegant entertainment center and more. It features technical and exploded drawings, materials list for each project, step-by-step instructions, and helpful quick tips. The 160-page softcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

TURNING WOOD WITH RICHARD RAFFAN is an updated and expanded third edition. This informative read discusses mastery techniques for basic and specialized tools, how to sharpen and maintain tools, and how to turn useful and decorative objects. With its 395 full-color photographs and 85 drawings, it covers the lathe (how it works and how to choose the right model), cutting tools, safety, measuring, centerwork and more. This revised edition also features a new chapter on crafting hollow vessels. Raffan is a veteran turner and teacher, and well-known for his gallery-quality work. The 224-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Taunton Press, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

NATURAL BUILDING: CREATING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COOPERATION, by Timothy Rieth and Bob Ferris, is billed as an inspirational tribute to natural building techniques, while stressing the values of teaching, mentoring and taking part in community projects. During the summer of 2007, Ferris, the executive director of Yestermorrow Design and Build School in Warren, Vt., gathered with natural builder Rieth and students and instructors from Yestermorrow. They designed and built a garden shed comprised of hand-hewn timbers, soil, straw and other natural materials. They then shared their experiences in building foundations, framing, wall systems and roofs, and discussed the joys of camaraderie. The 128-page softcover sells for $24.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

ELLSWORTH ON WOODTURNING, by David Ellsworth, is the author’s first book. In the late ’70s, Ellsworth introduced the craft world to his hollow bowls and vessels, and took the wood art movement by storm. Since then, he has perfected his eggshell-thin forms, invented his own turning techniques and tools, and taught thousands of students at his studio. Now, aspiring woodturners can learn the secrets of his signature style with his easy-to-follow guide featuring step-by-step projects for turning a hollow bowl, a natural-edge vessel and a pot. Beginners will learn how to correctly position their body to increase tool control and prevent back strain while working. Advanced turners will appreciate the section on sharpening and designing their own tools. Ellsworth also focuses on exercises that help turners remain limber, ease tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture. The 256-page softcover sells for $29.95. Contact: Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. Tel: 800-457-9112. www.foxchapelpublishing.com

MAKING TRADITIONAL SIDE ESCAPEMENT PLANES, with Larry Wililams, is a DVD that shows how to make a pair of hollows and rounds from a solid billet — including blade making, hardening and tempering. Hollows and rounds are used in combination to make complex moldings. This unique work is interesting as an historical record of hand tool making, as well as a guide for those who wish to make their own molding planes. Williams started in architectural woodworking in 1977 and is a founding partner of Clark & Williams Wooden Plane Makers. The three-hour DVD sells for $40. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864. Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com

TRADITIONAL MOLDING TECHNIQUES: THE BASICS, with Don McConnell, shows how to use combinations of hollows and rounds to produce complex molding profiles. From layout to finish molding, McConnell demonstrates how to match a molding on an heirloom, or make your own profile without having to get a custom-made shaper head. This video serves as a companion DVD to “Making Traditional Side Escapement Planes” with Larry Williams. McConnell first became interested in wooden planes and traditional furniture making in the 1970s and has done extensive research on traditional hand tool practices. The 80-minute DVD sells for $25. Contact: Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Inc., P.O. Box 9, Warren, ME 04864 Tel: 800-327-2520. www.lienielsen.com

THE POCKET SIZE CARPENTER’S HELPER, Third Edition, by R.F. Bailey, is crammed full of charts, tables, formulas and quick calculation hints useful for residential construction. It covers foundations, framing, roofing, insulation, drywall, stair calculations, reading blueprints and more. Bailey has been involved in the building trades for almost 40 years, working as a draftsman, carpenter and general contractor. The 126-page spiral notebook sells for $14.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com